The IMS and Burckhardt Compression AG cooperated to develop the first actively controlled valve for piston compressors.

The aim of the development was to create a product, which has significantly less pressure and flow loss than passive valves. This has been achieved with a high number of cycles of 10⁹ and a low power input.

The highlights of this product include the following points:

• The  valve can be switched on/off at any given time
• The efficiency has been significantly increased
• The  design allows the volume of vented gas to be controlled

 The IMS worked on the following work packages:

• Flow Analysis
• Optimisation of the actor
• Development of a control for soft-landing at high cycle numbers
• Electronic development
• Sensor development
• Optimisation of  power intake